AFMAN 24-204(I)/TM 38-250/NAVSUP PUB 505/MCO P4030.19H/ DLAI 4145.3
33
11 DECEMBER 2001
Attachment 3
GENERAL AND HAZARD CLASS SPECIFIC PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS
A3.1. General Packaging Requirements. The general requirements of attachment 3 are in addition to the specific
packaging requirements outlined in attachments 5 through 13. Hazardous material packaging must be authorized by
this manual, 49 CFR Part 173, the ICAO Technical Instructions, or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation and
meet the requirements outlined in this attachment.
A3.1.1. Transportability. Securely close and construct containers to prevent leakage due to changes in
temperature, humidity, and altitude during transportation and in-transit handling.
A3.1.1.1. Primary and secondary items and their containers (unit or exterior) must provide protection without
deformation, leakage, or rupture against:
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Temperature changes (-40 to 65.5 degrees C [-40 to +150 degrees F]).
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Pressure changes due to altitude changes (sea level to 3.7 km (12,000 feet)).
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Pressure changes due to explosive decompression from 3.7 to 15.24 km (12,000 to 50,000 feet).
HA3.1.1.2. Do not fill a UN specification packaging to a gross mass greater than the authorized gross mass marked
on the packaging.
A3.1.1.3. Provide adequate protection for material susceptible to damage by freezing during both ground and air
operations.
A3.1.2. Compatibility. All containers must be designed and constructed of materials that do not react with, or are
not decomposed by, the material contained therein. Plastic containers or liners must prevent permeation of contents.
Plastic packaging or receptacles used for liquid hazardous materials must be capable of withstanding, without
failure, the test specified in 49 CFR 173, appendix B, Procedure for Testing Chemical Compatibility and Rate of
Permeation in Plastic Packagings and Receptacles.
HA3.1.3. Ullage (Outage). Do not entirely fill containers designed to hold liquids. When filling packagings with
liquid hazardous material, leave sufficient interior space (outage) to prevent leakage of contents or distortion of
containers due to change of temperature during transportation, storage, and handling. For flammable liquids and
other volatile liquids with a high coefficient of expansion, a minimum outage of 2 percent at 54 degrees C (130
degrees F), is required.
HA3.1.4. Closures. Stoppers, corks, or other such friction-type closures must be held in place securely, tightly,
and effectively. Secure screw-type closures on any inside plastic container to prevent the closures from loosening
due to vibrations or substantial changes in temperature. Each screw-type closure on any packaging must be secured
with pressure-sensitive tape, self-shrinking plastic, wire, a device designed to prevent the cap from loosening, or
other positive means to prevent the closure from loosening due to vibration or substantial temperature change (that
is, secondary seal).
A3.1.5. Inner Packaging. Pack, secure, and cushion inner packagings of combination packagings to prevent
breakage or leakage and to control movement within the outer container. Cushioning material must not react
dangerously with the contents of the inner packagings. Inner packagings are required as specified by the applicable
packaging paragraph. If inner packagings are not required, the packaging paragraph will state that inner packagings
are not necessary. See attachment 20 for absorbent cushioning requirements.
A3.1.6. Metal Containers. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum capacity of metal drums is 208 L (55
gallons). Do not accept for shipment metal containers having corrosion or dents at the chime or seam, soldered, or
welded area.
A3.1.7. Indicators. Valves and indicators (with protective caps when required), which are necessary to ensure safe
transportation, must be installed in the shipping container. Examples are relief valves (vacuum or pressure),
humidity indicators, or leak indicators with adequate sensitivity to alert monitor or crew of imminent danger.
A3.1.8. Polymerizable Material. Transportation of any liquid, solid, or gaseous material that may polymerize
(combine or react with itself) or decompose so as to cause dangerous evolution of heat or gas under normal
transportation conditions is prohibited. Such materials may be offered for transportation when properly stabilized or
inhibited.
A3.1.9. Solids in a Liquid Single Packaging. A single or composite packaging which is tested and marked for
liquid hazardous materials may be filled with a solid hazardous material to a gross mass, in kilograms, not exceeding
the rated capacity of the packaging in liters, multiplied by the specific gravity marked on the packaging, or 1.2 if not
marked. In addition:
